Biotransformation of tryptamine derivatives in mycelial cultures of Psilocybe
Journal of Basic Microbiology 1989 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.3620290608 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Mycelial cultures and fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe semilanceata |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Tryptamine Biotransformation Mycelium Hydroxylation Stereochemistry Biochemistry |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key findings | Psilocybe cubensis mycelial cultures can biotransform added synthetic N,N-diethyltryptamine into 4-hydroxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine and 4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-diethyltryptamine, demonstrating the first directed biosynthesis of tryptamine substances by fungi. |
Abstract
Abstract Mycelial cultures of Psilocybe cubensis capable of forming psilocybin and psilocin de novo display a high capacity for hydroxylation of tryptamine derivatives at the 4‐position. A specific biotransformation of added synthetic N,N‐diethyl‐tryptamine was found. Thus high amounts of 4‐hydroxy‐N,N‐diethyltryptamine (up to 3.3%) and a minor quantity of 4‐phosphoryloxy‐N,N‐diethyltryptamine (0.01–0.8%) were isolated from fruiting bodies of Psilocybe cubensis in corresponding experiments. This is the first example of a directed biosynthesis of tryptamine substances by fungi. An effective biotransformation of N‐methyltryptamine was also demonstrated with surface cultures of Psilocybe semilanceata. Baeocystin, a possible natural precursor of psilocybin, was detected and quantified in the biomasses. No alkaloids could be found in the culture medium.